Environmental Concerns of Industrialization

Question 3 • GA-GSE World Geography B

Which of the following statements provides the best explanation of what happens to chemicals that pollute aquifers?

Answer

Anaerobic bacteria quickly break down the chemical pollutants once the source of the pollution is removed.

Water that comes into the aquifer quickly dilutes the chemicals once the source of the pollution is removed.

The chemicals quickly seep from the water into the surrounding bedrock once the source of the pollution is removed.

Chemical pollutants remain in the aquifer for a long time because the lack of oxygen prevents bacteria from breaking them down.

Explanation

Aquifers often have little oxygen, which limits the activity of bacteria that can break down many pollutants. As a result, chemical pollutants may remain in groundwater for a long time even after the pollution source is removed. Therefore, the best explanation is that lack of oxygen prevents bacteria from breaking down the pollutants.

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